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Pep Guardiola to splash out £40m+ as Tottenham set to finally lose key ace

Manchester City are reportedly set to open talks with Tottenham this week over the signing of right-back Kyle Walker.

The 27-year-old is currently on international duty as he prepares to feature for England in their friendly against France on Tuesday night.

Following on from that though, the focus will switch back to his club future, and it’s being widely suggested that a move to City is set to go through.

According to Sky Sports, discussions between the two clubs are set to get underway this week, with Guardiola hoping that he can land one of his top targets for as little over £40m as possible.

However, it’s added that Spurs value Walker closer to £50m, and they will certainly be in a strong position to make their demands given that he’s on a long-term contract and they’re under no real pressure to sell him.

It’s claimed that Kieran Trippier’s emergence and Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to go with him over Walker in key games towards the end of last season could have been pivotal in leading to this situation.

Walker will be the top choice right-back at the Etihad next season given that Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Jesus Navas were all released by City. Combine that with the Guardiola factor and a desire to regularly win trophies, and the England defender may feel he’s better off moving away from Tottenham.

It will be a blow to Spurs and Pochettino though, as although the priority must be to ensure that it doesn’t lead to further exits. Trippier can come in for Walker if he leaves, but they can ill-afford to start seeing their squad break up.